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Men’s Basketball Captures First-Ever NIAC Championship in Historic Run


The men's basketball program has officially made history.
For the first time ever, the team brought home an NIAC (Northern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference) championship—capping off a thrilling tournament run that will be remembered for years to come.

MBB NIAC
 
Entering the tournament with determination and grit, the team found themselves on the No. 1 side of the bracket. Despite facing stiff competition, they rose to the challenge, pulling off a major upset by defeating the top-seeded Trinity Bible College—one of the tournament favorites.
With momentum on their side, the team advanced to the championship final, where they took on the second-seeded Canadian Mennonite University.

With just 13 seconds left in the first half, third year Raphael 'Rhys' Maestre dribbled the ball down court, weaved his way through some blazer defenders, and passed the ball off to freshman guard Braden Akers. Akers, who has become known for sinking 3-point shots from the far right corner, stepped up once again with time counting down. With just a few seconds left on the clock, Akers basket gave the Pilots a 1 point lead heading into the half. Little did they know, all they would need was that one point. 

The second half continued to be a battle back and forth. With 50 seconds left, CMU hit a 3-point shot of their own, making the game 73-72 in favor of the Pilots. Pilots had possession to start, but couldn't find the basket. All that was left was to defend for their lives. And they did just that. With CMU missing their last two final shots, the clock ran out, and the Pilots took the game by one single point. Fueled by passion, focus, and an unrelenting drive to win, they emerged victorious, clinching the program's first-ever NIAC title.
 
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"Disney couldn't have written it better," one coach commented. "This team believed in each other every step of the way, and they proved what's possible when heart meets hard work."
The championship marks a defining moment for the program, and a milestone achievement that sets a new standard for future teams.
To the players, coaches, and everyone who supported the journey—congratulations on a season that will go down in the record books.
Let's hear it one more time for your 2025 NIAC Champions!
 
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Players Mentioned

Braden Akers

#4 Braden Akers

Shooting Guard
6' 1"
Freshman
Raphael

#11 Raphael 'Rhys' Maestre

Small Forward
6' 0"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Braden Akers

#4 Braden Akers

6' 1"
Freshman
Shooting Guard
Raphael

#11 Raphael 'Rhys' Maestre

6' 0"
Junior
Small Forward

Scoreboard